Tucson – No Manny, and a just few Dodgers regulars, at Hi Corbett Field today. You seriously thought Mr. Ramirez would come down to Tucson? Apparently a bunch of Dodgers fans did. They showed up early and were quickly disappointed.

For the Rockies, neither Garrett Atkins nor Brad Hawpe is in the lineup today. Atkins, still slowed by a strained groin, said this morning that he hopes to play in a minor-league game on Friday and play in a Cactus League game Saturday when the Rockies host the Cubs.

Patrick, a third-generation Colorado native, is back for his second stint covering the Rockies. He first covered the team from 2005-2009, helping chronicle “Rocktober” in 2007 and also following the team’s playoff run in 2009.

Nick Groke has worked at The Denver Post since 1997, as a sports reporter, city reporter, entertainment writer and digital editor and producer, among other newsroom posts. He also writes regularly about boxing, soccer, MMA and NASCAR.